NPR'S The Splendid Table: Not so Wonderful for Animal Lovers
While listening to the program for about a 15-minute span of time on December 5, 2007, I heard the following topics discussed:
Ox Tail or Meat Cow Tail
During a call-in period on The Splendid Table, a caller asked about ox tail and whether it is actually the tail of an ox. Apparently, some people consider the taste of ox tail (yes, that is the literal tail of an ox) to be quite scrumptious. The Splendid Table host explained that since there are not a lot of oxen around these days, most people who eat "ox tail" are actually eating the tail of a "meat cow."
The Splendid Table host went on to explain that an ox is actually a neutered male cow. In times past, people wanted the ox to focus on being a beast of burden by doing such fun things as pulling plows. The owners of the male cow would castrate the cow so that the cow would focus on doing his grueling work rather than checking out the lady cows in the nearby field.
Chicken Fat
"Chicken fat" was the answer to the week's trivia question. Apparently, a truck carrying chicken fat was leaking the chicken fat as the truck drove on a highway. The leaked chicken fat caused the road to become quite slick, which resulted in several traffic accidents.
If I were a believer in karma, perhaps I would wonder whether this was the ultimate revenge for the poor, slaughtered chickens from which the fat was rendered.
Blood Sausage
When The Splendid Table host began talking about "blood sausage", that was as much as I could take. I switched the radio off. I decided I could live my whole life without knowing what the difference between regular sausage and blood sausage is.
Love Animals, Don't Eat Them
Some people love animals enough that they choose not to eat them. Or, perhaps these people are compassionate enough to rationalize that these animals that are raised for slaughter in awful conditions are suffering. The ultimate suffering comes when the animal is killed so that people can eat the animal's meat. Or their tails, fat, or blood.
Published by Lori Wheat
Lori Wheat is a progressive, reformed attorney turned freelance writer, gardener, and property manager. She lives with her wonderful husband and adopted greyhound dog in Norman, Oklahoma. View profile
- Quick Vegetarian Dinner IdeasThese quick vegetarian dinner ideas are some of my favorites. They are quick to prepare and quick to clean up. These recipes are also healthy vegetarian choices for dinner.
- Who Knew Vegan Baked Goods Could Be so Tasty?Pattycake Vegan Bakery turns out a wonderful array of animal-product free, organic baked goods, and I love working there!
5 Stylish Summer Shoes for Vegan WomenThese are best summer footwear choices under the sun. Vegan shoes are on style and affordable. You can wear them with casual attire or an evening dress. - So You Want to Be a Vegan?The makes-your-tongue-itchy granola, the tasteless tofu that leaves your mouth dry, the lumpy soymilk that clumps up your throat like mucus - these are the delicious menu items a vegan encounters day after day because...
- Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in Cleveland, OhioMost of the vegetarian and vegan establishments in the Cleveland, Ohio area are along the outskirts of the East and West sides of the city. One can find a wide array of vegan, vegetarian, and natural food restaurants...
- The Splendid Table: Worth a Listen on NPR
- Cooking a Meal for a Vegan or Vegetarian Friend or Family Member
- Where to Eat in Victoria, British Columbia If You Are Vegetarian or Vegan
- Review of 90.5 FM WCBE in Columbus, Ohio
- Vegetarian Cuisine in West Covina, CA
- Free Vegetarian Recipes on the Internet
- The Best Natural, Organic, and Vegetarian Restaurants on Long Island
18 Comments
Post a CommentNot sure if I would like ox tail or meat cow tail but I sure do like a good tbone and if I'm not mistaken they are taken from cows or steers. Sure glad God has allowed animals to be eaten Genesis 9:3,4
First of all, I just want to say, I love the Splendid Table. And no, it isn't all about meat. So you listened to maybe 15 minutes and managed to catch some meaty bits. Should I feel sorry for you, that you had to encounter a lifestyle you disagree with? Vegetarians call in all the time. Someone doing some real research (and not a peeved entitlement hag) would have at least listened to three or four shows before writing an article on the subject. I'm not saying you have to like the show, but at least have the journalistic ethics to do some proper research before you lambaste it.
Moving on, I just wanted to let you know that, scientifically, humans are classified as omnivores. OMNIVORES. OMNI = everything, VORE = to eat. Yes, the slaughterhouse agribusiness is unsanitary and inhumane. Boycotting meat is a valid way of protesting that, and I encourage you. But don't get all bitchy because other human beings like meat. We are animals, too. And like many other kinds of animal, many of us
People will eat just about anything! I was so tempted to leave a comment explaining what blood sausage is but alas I'm a gentlemen.
Lori,
Thoughtful, fascinating and with excellent, very readable layout to this article. I was drawn into this article by your subsections!
Lori, I listen to NPR, but have never heard of this show. Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure this is one I'll turn off if I happen to hear it on the radio!
I am a meat eater but respect and admire your conviction. Very well written!
Great article. Thanks for sharing this!
Ucky!..chicken fat, blood sausage..no thanks!!..
excellent article... thank you for bringing this to our notice
Thank you for the comments. By the way, the original title of this article was "NPR'S The Splendid Table: Not so Splendid for Animal Lovers" but alas, the title was changed by a content reviewer.